After losing a late lead, the Vikings defeated the Bears 30-27, with Sam Darnold leading the game-winning drive in overtime.
Jordan Addison, a wide receiver, caught eight catches for a touchdown and a career-high 162 yards.
CHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold assumed he would only have to kneel since the Vikings would recover the Bears’ onside kick near the end of regulation. Even though things become a bit more complicated, he will accept this outcome. After giving up 11 points in the last 22 seconds of regulation time, Minnesota defeated Chicago 30-27 on Sunday. Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo’s game-winning 29-yard field goal. Darnold remarked, “You’re hoping to recover the onside kick and just take some knees.” “Your outlook is that you need to prepare to return to the field and perform at a high level, and I believe our offense did a great job of that, obviously, in overtime.”
Two touchdown passes were thrown by Darnold. T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving, and Jordan Addison grabbed eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings (9-2), who were still one game behind Detroit in the tough NFC North. With three games decided on the final play, the Bears (4-7) suffered their sixth consecutive loss, led by Caleb Williams’ 340 yards and two touchdowns. Under coach Matt Eberflus, who is 14-31 in 2 1/2 seasons, Chicago is 5-18 in one-possession games. “I believe we improved in every stage,” Williams stated. “Over the last several games, we’ve improved. Being decisive, receivers and all, I believe, was demonstrated today. It’s difficult.
After Romo kicked a 26-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining, Minnesota looked to be in control of the game, leading 27-16. The Bears weren’t done, though. Deandre Carter’s 55-yard kickoff return to the 40 in the third quarter made up for a muffed punt that resulted in a touchdown. With a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen, Williams completed an eight-play drive and took it from there. With 22 seconds left, DJ Moore converted a 2-point pass to make it 27-24. Williams hit Moore over the middle for a 27-yard gain to the 30 before spiking the ball after the Bears recovered the onside kick. As time ran out, Cairo Santos converted field goal from 48 yards out.
